South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of nations that includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Heads of state or government hold the highest authority within the association and meet annually.
SAARC was established at its first summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1985. Its main aim is to promote social and economic development. Its concerns include the environment, agriculture, communications, the prevention of drug trafficking and drug misuse, tourism, transportation, health and population, science and technology, and education and culture. Achievements include establishing the SAARC Tuberculosis Centre (now the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre) in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1992, and publishing a directory of training programs in priority areas like malaria, leprosy, and human rabies. SAARC has instigated yearly initiatives focusing on specific themes, such as drug control, environment, and learning difficulties.
